Power returns to Spain, Portugal after worst blackout in history

Spain and Portugal are switching back on again after suffering the worst blackout in both countries' history.

As of Apr. 30, electricity has been restored to most places.

The massive electrical outage hit both countries, and for a brief moment, France, on Apr. 28, at 6:33pm Singapore time.

According to Euronews, the blackout disrupted subways, airports and communication networks in major cities like Madrid and Lisbon.

Power started returning gradually on the night of Apr. 28.

Disrupted transportation, travel and communication

The power outage affected major cities across the Iberian Peninsula.

These include Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Avila, Murcia, Galicia, Alicante and Zaragoza in Spain, and Portugal's Lisbon and Porto.

While there are more than 50 million people in both countries, authorities did not disclose how many people were directly affected, reported Euronews.

The outage caused companies to temporarily shut their workplace, and stranded thousands of commuters across subway systems in both countries. Airports and hospitals operated on backup generators.

Communication networks were also disrupted, with users struggling to make calls or send text messages.

Spain's Interior Ministry later declared a state of emergency.

"Technical issue" between France and Spain's energy connection a factor

While the reason for the outage is still unknown, officials have ruled out any possibility of external causes.

European Council President Antonio Costa said in a post on X on Apr. 28 that there were "no indications of any cyber attack".

He added that grid operators in Spain and Portugal were investigating the cause.

General secretary of EURELECTRIC Kristian Ruby said that a "technical issue" affected the energy connection between France and Spain, reported BBC.

EURELECTRIC is the trade body representing the power industry in Europe.

Ruby said the organisation was aware of a "specific incident with an interconnector" between the two countries, which later disconnected the Spanish grid from the broader European grid.

The outage was deemed "something very, very rare".

He added that there is also "likely to have been other elements" resulting in the outage.

Top photos via @Maks_NAFO_FELLA & @SolanaSensei/X